Sheriff Debate Critical to Republican Candidates
For Republican sheriff candidates Bob Gualtieri and Everett Rice July 17 is the last opportunity the two will have to defend their positions before the Aug. 14 primary.
They face off one last time at the sheriff's candidate debate at the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater's Octagon Arts Center, 2470 Nursery Road, 7 to 9 p.m.
Gualtieri will answer to issues concerning lagging department morale and an ongoing narcotics investigation while Rice will be asked about his Oath Keepers’ Pledge and close ties to anti-government right-wing organizations.
The debate, moderated by Al Ruechel, senior anchor at Bay News 9, could possibly launch one of the front-runners into the Republican spot on the November ballot.
Democrat Scott Swope and write-in candidate Greg Pound are already qualified for the November ballot.
The National Armed Services & Law Enforcement Memorial Museum in Dunedin is sponsoring the event, along with Patch.com and Bay News 9.
Patch is providing live-streaming coverage on all of its Pinellas County websites, which will also air on Bay News 9's On Demand Channel 342.
The debate is free and open to the public, but debate organizer, Harvey Smith advises arriving early for best seating.
Contact: Harvey Alexander Smith, debate chair, at hsmithconsulsv@aol.com or 727-460-3937.
Editor's Note: Please see Patch's related coverage:
